China’s exports grow more than expected in May, up by 7.6%

BEIJING — China’s exports in May grew faster than expected, while imports missed forecasts, customs data showed Friday.

Exports rose by 7.6% in May from a year a go in U.S. dollar terms, beating expectations for 6% growth, according to a Reuters poll.

Imports, however, rose by 1.8% during that time, missing the Reuters’ forecast for 4.2% growth.

In April, China’s exports rose by 1.5% year-on-year, while imports climbed by 8.4%.

China’s exports have held up despite trade tensions with the U.S. and have helped support overall economic growth.

The Caixin manufacturing purchasing managers’ index showed that new export orders grew in May for a fifth-straight month, although at a slower pace.

Global trade restrictions are on the rise, however, with about 3,000 imposed last year versus 1,000 in 2019, before the pandemic, the International Monetary Fund said last week.

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